Puerto Vallarta has some of the best restaurants
in Mexico. There are so many local fine dining venues, with more than four
dozen in the South Side/Romantic Zone alone, that it's hard to find a bad
meal in the whole town. Restaurant Row on Basilio Badillo street in the heart
of Old Town has some twenty or more gay-friendly eateries in seven blocks,
from Coco Tropical on Los Muertos beach to the La Fonda and beyond, including
those that serve German (Hacienda Alemana), Mexican (Cafe de Olla, El Mole
de Jovita, Fajita Republic, Mama Rosa, Margarita Grill and Paco's Tacos),
Italian (Boccon di Vino), international cuisine (Di Vino Dante and La Fonda),
American (The Pitt and Wing's Army), seafood fare (Joe Jack's, Mr. Pulpo),
Mex-Tex (Nacho Daddy), and some of the best breakfasts in town (Fredy's Tucan,
Johnny's Diner and Memo's Pancake House). Most of these have extensive menus
with a wide and rich variety of delicious dishes to choose from.

The downtown malecon
boardwalk area is not only the center of straight nightlife but also has many restaurants, with
a number of them serving food and providing some musical entertainment such
as La Bodeguita del Medio (Cuban music, salsa), La Chata and El Andariego
(both with mariachi), La Dolce Vita (jazz), and rock 'n roll at Paradise Burger.
PV as a great gay travel destination has become a major attraction for people
who enjoy cuisine and fine dining, winning more gastronomic awards and praise
than any place in the country other than Mexico City. Since Puerto Vallarta
has some of the best gourmet restaurants in the country, you can be pretty
confident that you'll not only have lots of great food while you're here
but good service as well. Most of the major hotels also have their own specialty
eating places serving their own tasty cuisines. 'Casual but elegant' or 'casually
elegant dining' seems to be the phrase in common use these days to describe
going out to dinner. For dessert or coffee after a good meal, check out the
cafes & bakeries page.

Puerto Vallarta Restaurants
Listed here are all of the gay-owned or managed(**) restaurants
that I know of, and a good number of other popular, friendly and fine ones
as well. Some of these have live music during the winter months so you may
wish to call for further details. Many will accept only cash. All Puerto Vallarta
restaurants and cafes use purified ice and water. Please note that it is
customary in Mexico for you to have to ask for the bill at the end of your
meal. Tipping is the same as in the States, 15-20%, depending on the quality
of service. A number of dining spots close for a few weeks or more during
the low season summer months, usually in September or early October.

Archie's Wok -
South Side/Zona Romantica - 130 Francisca Rodríguez. Tel: 222-0411
Archie Alpenia was film director John Huston's personal chef for years and
now the restaurant is run by his wife Cindy and their daughter Kyoki. Combines
Chinese, Thai and Filipino food and the place has its own oriental garden
in the back. Tranquil atmosphere often with music on the harp by D'Rachel,
Fri and Sat evenings. Menu includes Filipino egg rolls, calamari, garlic shrimp
and a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes. Archie's Wok is always voted best Asian restaurant in
Pto. Vallarta year after year. An old fave since 1986. Mon-Sat, 2pm-11pm.

Bistro Balsamar - South Side - 372 Ignacio Vallarta.
Tel: 222-0926, Cell: 044-322-138-0978 **
Regional Mexican cuisine with chef Alejandro Cordero (photo left), who also
does catering for visitors at condos and villas, see website. The
gay-owned restaurant Bistro Balsamar recently moved over from Basilio Badillo
street, and is a small place around the corner from the Galeria Contempo art
gallery and across the street from the new V399 condominiums. Sidewalk seating
as well as inside with a/c. Very good to excellent ratings, "Absolutely delicious....Amazing
find". Recommended. Daily, 7am-10:30pm

Bistro Teresa - Downtown
- Vallarta Plaza, 160 calle Zaragoza, 4th floor. Tel: 113-0281
**
International fusion and Mexican cuisine typify this quaint restaurant with
open air seating, run by Laura and Mirasol from Mexico City. Was ranked as
#1 in all of Vallarta for over a year, now at #7 out of some 762 dining spots
in town. Travelers' Choice 2014 winner at TripAdvisor. Best to make reservations
as it is quite popular. Moved in August 2015 from their old place on the Highway
to Mismaloya into the new rooftop dining spot in El Centro at the main Vallarta
Plaza in the central zocalo, overlooking downtown with beautiful views of
the city, Bay and with gorgeous sunsets. Bistro Teresa is for its food, atmosphere
and service. Meat, fish, vegetarian. Lesbian owned and operated since 2012.
Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm

Blue Chairs Beach & Hotel Rooftop Bar and
Restaurant - Los Muertos Beach - Calle Malecon y Almendro #4. Telefono:
222-5040 **
There is the Blue Chairs restaurant on the gay beach itself, and another
on the rooftop at the Blue Chairs Resort, the later having a wading pool and
lovely views of Banderas Bay from the two open top levels. Menus include Mexican,
steaks, chicken dishes, pasta and seafood. Please call for details on entertainment.
The Blue Chairs on the beach is open daily, 8am-Sunset. Blue Sunset rooftop
bar and restaurant, Daily 3pm-11pm

Boccon di Vino Italian Trattoria - South Side
- 317-A Basilio Badillo. Cell: 044-322-102-8557
New Italian restaurant that comes well recommended from several friends.
With a newer larger outdoor dining area in the back and a new wood burning
pizza oven. Home-made pasta, seafood, lasagna. Good to excellent reviews.
Chef Gaetano Fernandez from Naples. Mon-Sat, 1pm-11pm

Bravos - Old Town/Romantic
Zone - 263 Francisco Madero. Tel: 222-0339 **
Recently opened in October 2013, with international food and an extensive
wine list, the new menu includes shared starters like crispy calamari and
grilled Thai chicken skewers, soups and salads, steaks, seafood & chops.
The Bravos classic entrees range from braised lamb shank and Italian sausage
ravioli to baked cheese cappelletti. Owner Michael Boufford managed the River
Cafe, one of Vallarta's most well-known restaurants, for five years and was
general manager of a famed Toronto dining spot for 8 years as well, so he
knows his stuff. Reasonably priced; gay-owned and friendly with all welcome;
events and catering. Visit the website. Tues-Sun, 5pm-11pm

Cafe Bohemio - South
Side - 127 Rodolfo Gomez. Tel: 044-322-134-2436 **Classic cocktails and good food at reasonable prices
on the outdoor patio area, with friendly service by owners Christopher and
Solomon (photo at right) and the handsome staff. Standard dishes include chicken
pomodoro, shrimp coco mango, cornish game hens, meat loaf, fajitas, grilled
fish of the day, or the "Carne Especial" with a choice of chicken, beef or
pork, as well as a full line of traditional Mexican favorites. Quite popular,
now in it's 12th year - expect to wait during the winter season. The Cafe Bohemio
restaurant staff maintains the place open during summer for lunch and
dinner. Mon-Sat, 5pm-Midnight

Cafe de Olla
- South Side/Romantic Zone - 168 Basilio Badillo. Tel: 223-1626
Very good restaurant for Mexican food with reasonable prices and friendly
service. The Mexican plate is probably the best in town and the ribs are delicious.
Cafe de Olla menu also includes chicken, beef, shrimp and traditional national
dishes. Quite popular, so be prepared to stand in line during the winter
months. One of my favorite places to go out to eat for years. Closed Sept
15-Oct 15 every year. Weds-Mon, 10am-11pm.

Cafe des Artistes
- el Centro/Downtown - 740 Guadalupe Sanchez. Tel: 222-3228
Cafe des Artistes blends provincial Mexican with classical French cuisine
under chef-owner Theirry Blouet. Live piano music, original works of art and
lush gardens enhance the tropical romantic effect. Restaurant menu includes
stuffed crab, roasted sea bass, marinated salmon and roasted duck. des Artistes
is one of most well-known and first-rate Puerto Vallarta restaurants, winner
of several awards for cooking and according to a local poll voted the overall
favorite in town, as well as for best service, most romantic, and best atmosphere.
The Gourmand Magazine 2011 Guide to restaurants and fine dining named Chef
Thierry Blouet as one of the ten most influential chefs in the world and the
Cafe des Artistes as the best restaurant in all of Mexico. A connoisseur friend
of mine says, "Best restaurant in Vallarta. We ate on the high level terrace
in Cocina de Autor Thierry Blouet. Very expensive but great and memorable."
Full info at cafedesartistes.com Daily, 6pm-11:30pm.

Casa Naranjo - Emiliano Zapata - 263 Naranjo at
Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-3518
International cuisine with an accent on flavors of oranges. Ranked on TripAdvisor
as #23 of 683 Puerto Vallarta restaurants so it gets some pretty good reviews,
including by gay food-writer Gary Beck; though some gourmet friends of mine
did not enjoy the meal that night. Daily, 5pm-11pm

Coco's Kitchen - South Side/Zona Romantica - 122
Pulpito. Tel: 223-0373
Coco took over the old Barrio Sur restaurant and serves three meals a day.
Cocos
is especially noted for a good breakfast in Old Town, and for its romantic
garden setting. Some friends report "the best chile rellenos in Vallarta".
Early bird daily dinner special Tues-Sat, 5pm-7pm. Daily for breakfast
and lunch, 8am-4pm; Dinner, 5pm-11pm

Daiquiri Dick's
- South Side/Old Town - 314 Olas Altas. Tel: 222-0566
California cuisine blended with traditional Mexican flavors at this fine
Puerto Vallarta gourmet restaurant on Los Muertos beach. The Daiquiri Dick
menu includes filet of fish "Zarandeado", BBQ spareribs, butter fried prawns
and chicken in Oaxacan mole. Highly rated and one of the overall favorite
restaurants in town year after year according to local polls, and noted for
its fine service. Some of the best food in Puerto Vallarta. Owners Peter and
Tari Bowman of Puerto Vallarta's Daiquiri Dick's (photo left) recently
celebrated 40 years in November 2011 and have a cookbook of their recipes
out, Sand in Your Shoes. Weds-Mon, 9am-11pm.

de Santos - Hotel Zone/Plaza Peninsula
- 2485 Blvd. Fco Medina Ascencio, Local 35-36. Tel: 221-3090
Mediterranean international cuisine from Italy and Spain in a chic environment.
After dinner this Puerto Vallarta restaurant-bar becomes a discoteca/disco
nightclub scene. House DJ spins a combo of flamenco, lounge, mood and jazz
music for meals and later. De Santos also has locations in Guadalajara and
NYC. One of the owners of De Santos is a member of Mexico's most
famous rock group Mana. Food daily, 12:30pm-2am; Music begins around
10pm until 3-4am.

Derby City Burgers - South Side - 356 Olas Altas.
Tel: 223-3323 **
Hamburgers, salads and hand cut french fries....Reportedly some of the best
in town. Sidewalk seating; carry out is available. Gay owned and quite popular,
now ranked #33 of 776 restaurants in the city on Trip Advisor. Daily,
Noon-10pm

D'Z Route 66 Rock N Roll Diner - Marina Vallarta
- Paseo de la Marina 3, Locale #6. Tel: 209-0760
Diner in the Marina which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with milkshakes,
burgers, pizza, ribs, fries, etc. Based on '60s rock music, style, memories
and colors. D'z Route 66 Diner open at their new location on Basilio Badillo
street where Roberto's Puerto Nuevo used to be, but closed within a few months
- said to be looking for another spot in this area of town. Owners Michelle
and Armando Jimenez. Daily, 8am-10pm

El Arrayan - Downtown/Centro
- 344 Allende. Tel: 222-7195 **Locally voted "Best Mexican" in Puerto Vallarta for
5 years in a row, El
Arrayan restaurant offers old family traditional recipes from different
parts of Mexico. The restaurant (photo at left) has a welcoming atmosphere
with a courtyard and arrayan tree growing there and plenty of Huichol art.
Menu includes shrimp pozole, fish filet, ceviche, empanadas, duck "camitas"
and "Chiquis" chicken breast. Frommer's Mexico 2007 included El Arrayan
in the chapter on the best of Mexico. Live music with "Los Frijoleros" on
Sat, 7pm-10pm. Gay-owned and operated by Carmen Porras, with head chef Mariano
Valdez. Casual ambiance. Weds-Mon, 5:30pm-11pm

El Mole
de Jovita - South Side - 220 Basilio Badillo. Telefono: 223-3065
**
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at this relatively new Puerto Vallarta gay-owned
and operated restaurant. Mexican dishes and the house specialty of chicken
mole. Good quality food at reasonable prices, and I'm hearing good reviews
and word of mouth. Inside or street-side seating. Friendly service at El Mole
de Jovita with owners Sergio Mucino and Roberto Gomez. Mon-Sat,
8am-11pm

Fajita Republic -
South Side - 188 Basilio Badillo. Tel: 222-3131 **
Beef, chicken, shrimp, combo and vegetarian fajitas are the specialty of
the house, with BBQ ribs and traditional Mexican plates as well. Ample delish
portions and moderate prices make Fajita Republic popular for dining. One
of my favorites. Recently totally remodeled in the city, and also with a new
location in Nuevo Vallarta, Tel: 297-2277. Daily, 5pm-11:30pm

Figueroa's Burritos - Romantic
Zone - 300 Carranza at Constitucion street. Cell: 044-322-148-5450
**
A recently established gay-owned breakfast and brunch spot, Figueroa's
(photo left) is "just a fun little local hang out with fresh California
style Mexican food, good service and great prices." With burritos, chicken
mole, tacos dorados and many others. Vegetarian, take out and delivery available,
does a good business. Ranked #38 of 601 restaurants in Vallarta. Mon-Sat,
9am-7pm

Fredy's Tucan - South Side - 245 Basilio
Badillo. Tel: 223-0778
This restaurant & bar is popular with locals and tourists alike mainly
for its breakfast (no dinner) in the open interior patio and street-side seating
area. Waffles, french toast, crepes, omelettes, pancakes and some Mexican
specialty dishes. Lunch/brunch available from noon. Fredy's Tucan
often wins Virtual Vallarta on-line voting as the best breakfast in Puerto
Vallarta. Since 1981 with the family Garcia Acevedo. Daily, 8am-3pm

Gaby's - el Centro - 252 Mina at Hidalgo street.
Tel: 222-0480Breakfast, lunch and dinner of traditional Mexican
food. Located two blocks from the Our Lady of Guadalupe church, this long-time
family-owned restaurant has been a favorite since Elizabeth Taylor and Richard
Burton lived nearby in Gringo Gulch. Known for decades in Vallarta for the
delicious food, affordable lunches and friendly service; very good to excellent
ratings. Sometimes showing traditional folklore movies, video-clips and songs
at dinner time on the theater size screen. Daily, 8am-11pm

Hacienda Alemana - South Side - 378 Basilio Badillo.
Tel: 222-2071
Good German and international food prepared by chef-owner Mike Pohl from
Bonn. Lunch and dinner, served in an open garden restaurant, with a menu that
includes several varieties of schnitzel and sausage, fish filet, sauerbraten
and veal bratwurst. On Weds and Sat, 6pm-11pm, Hacienda Alemana offers a German
buffet with all you can eat including draft beer; Friday it's all you can
eat BBQ ribs. Daily, 11:30am-11:30pm

Kaiser Maximilian - South Side - 380-B Olas Altas.
Tel: 223-0760
Combination of old and new world cuisine with a specialty of traditional
Austrian and European dishes. Kaiser Maximilian serves delicious fare such
as braised baby lamb strips, mahi-mahi, sautéed squid and San Blas
shrimp. Inside dining with a/c or outside on Olas Altas street. The Maximilian
Espresso cafe, open 8am-Midnight, serves 20 different coffees as well as Austrian
pastries and ice cream. Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm

La Palapa
- Los Muertos Beach - 103 Pulpito. Tel: 222-5225One of loveliest and best beachfront restaurants in
Puerto Vallarta. Mexican and international cuisine with candlelight beachfront
fine dining. La Palapa (picture left) has had a great romantic setting and
been a tourist favorite since Dec 31, 1958. A gourmet connoisseur friend of
mine notes: "Hands down the best restaurant South Side and one of the best
city wide. The setting may be the best....Great breakfast and good lunch and
dinner". Casually elegant and expensive. Acoustic guitar accompaniment or
light Latin jazz music by Alberto Perez or Raul Simetal, 8pm-11pm. Visit their
website for the La Palapa restaurant. Daily, 8am-11:30pm

La Piazzetta - South
Side - 143 Rodolfo Gomez at Olas Altas. Tel: 222-0650
Over 20 kinds of delicious Southern Italian style pizza as well as pastas
and traditional Italian plates by owner Mimmo. La Piazzetta is often voted
the best pizza and best Italian restaurant in the city. Excellent service
and very popular year round, since October 1995. Visit lapiazzettapv.com Thee
is another locale at 219 Ave. Fluvial Vallarta, Daily 1pm-12am, Tel: 224-7288.
In Old Town, Mon-Sat, 4pm-Midnight

Langostinos - Playa Los
Muertos Beach - 109 Manuel Dieguez. Tel: 222-0894 **
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the same block as the new Los Muertos pier.
Service, food, atmosphere and the views of oftentimes spectacular sunsets
are generally above average quality. Inside seating or on the beach with salads,
soups, seafood and Mexican specialties. Reasonable prices and location make
this dining spot popular with locals and tourists alike; ex-pats have regular
get-togethers here. With owner Collet and a friendly staff. Langostinos frequently has live music.
Next door to Cuates y Cuetes. Daily, 8am-11pm

Le
Bistro Jazz Cafe - Cuale River Island - Local 16-A, East Bridge.
Tel: 222-0283 International cuisine and an ambiance which is
unique to Vallarta with upscale stylish decor, beautiful plants
and statues, and a lovely location along the scenic Cuale River.
One of the oldest and most established restaurants in town known
for its extensive jazz collection, tranquil setting and the romantic
riverfront atmosphere. Recently changing hands, the place has been renovated
by the new owners and restored to its former glory. Le Bistro has
been a perennial dining favorite in town since 1979 and is now serving breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Live jazz music nightly from 6pm-10pm. Tues-Sun,
8am-11pm

Mariscos El Coleguita - Marina Vallarta - Popa
street at Condominiums Marina del Rey, Local 17. Tel: 108-9726
One of the most popular restaurants in the Puerto Vallarta Marina. Reasonably
priced seafood, shrimp, scallop, lobster, fish and Mexican dishes. Some two
dozen tables on the covered patio. Locations also in Ixtapa, Jalisco and La
Cruz de Huanaclaxte in Nayarit. Weds-Mon, 1pm-8pm

Memo's Pancake House - South Side - 289 Basilio
Badillo. Tel: 222-6272
Memo's breakfast place is popular, so you may have to wait in line. Pancakes,
omelets, waffles, eggs and Mexican dishes. Pleasant open interior patio. In
June 2003 the Pancake House was rated "the best place in the world to go
for breakfast" by International Living. Daily, 8am-2pm

Nacho Daddy - South Side - 180 Basilio Badillo
street. Tel: 223-0838
An original concept in "Mex-Tex" cuisine with a large dining area, a popular
sports bar area with 42" TVs, billiards and all with a lively atmosphere at
night. Nacho Daddy
is one of the newer addition to the growing number of restaurants on Puerto Vallarta's
famed Restaurant Row. Live music, Thurs through Sat, featuring Joe King Carrasco
or special guests. Also hosts Charity Bingo through the season every other
Tues at 6:30pm. Daily, Noon to Midnight

No Way Jose! - South Side
- 5 de Febrero #260 at I. Vallarta. Tel: 223-2853
One of the newer restaurant-bars in the Zona Romantica. Contemporary Mexican
and international cuisine with beef, seafood and chicken dishes. Very good
reviews and word of mouth, with friends telling me the filet mignon is especially
excellent. No Way Jose
(photo right) was voted the best new Puerto Vallarta restaurant in 2010, and
in both 2011 and 2012 was voted best moderate priced dining in the city. Serving
in the main street-level dining room and on the expansive rooftop terrace
for gay-friendly Vallarta dining under the stars. Now daily, 4pm-11pm

Planeta Vegetariano
- Central - 270 Iturbide. Tel: 222-3073
A wonderful little place with an all-you-can-eat vegetarian lunch buffet
for only 85 pesos, including drink and dessert. A la carte menu for dinner,
7pm-10pm. Colorfully decorated with a tranquil atmosphere to compliment the
good food. Planeta Vegetariano receives most excellent reviews. Mon-Sat,
8am-11:30am for breakfast, and 11:30am-10pm for lunch and dinner.

Red Cabbage Cafe
- Remance - 204-A Rivera del Rio. Tel: 223-0411 **
This charming out of the way place along the Cuale River in a typical Vallarta
neighborhood is filled with movie photos and posters. Regional Mexican food
with specialties from all over the country including divine chiles en nogada,
chicken mole from Puebla, and hearty carne en su jugo (steak in its juice).
In addition, the vegetarian menu is diverse and tasty. Lola Bravo's place
has been reviewed and recommended by Bon Appetit, Lonely Planet, NY Times
and the Toronto Star. Frommer's rated the Red Cabbage restaurant
as "exceptional traditional Mexican cuisine". Woman owned and operated.
Mon-Sat, 5pm-11pm.

Salud Super Food - Old Town - 534-A Olas Altas.
Cell: 044-322-139-9398
Offering delicious healthy cuisine focused on great tasting food using "superfoods"
such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts or low-fat yogurt as their core ingredients.
A healthier choice for a deliciously balanced diet. Options for vegetarians,
vegans and carnivores alike. Nite bites after 5pm include humus plate, lettuce
chicken wraps, tacos Mumbai. Take out is available, with more info at saludpv.com
Mon-Sat, 9am-9pm

Sapphire Ocean
Club - Los Muertos beach - #1 Calle Malecon. Tel: 223-3264 **
Michel Ferrari, the gay owner of the Olas Altas restaurant trattoria
Michel, has rebuilt what was formerly the El Lido Beach Club, located in front
of the One Beach Street Vallarta condo resort on Los Muertos beach, renamed
it the Sapphire
Ocean Club & Lounge and opened as of November 2014. This restaurant-bar
opens for breakfast starting at 9am through dinner ending at 12am, with a
menu that includes soup, sandwiches, homemade pasta, salads, ceviche, and
a variety of meat, fish and seafood dishes. The beachfront Sapphire Bistro
offers chaise lounges and recliners with sun shades, plus an open-air dining
area for its gay-friendly clientele. Brand new & quite stylish. A friend
writes, "Great waiters. 80/20 gay/straight. Older, wealthier crowd....No
tortilla chips, no papas fritas. But the lounge chairs, cute and super-friendly
beach guys, and real wine glasses makes it all worthwhile." Sapphire boasts
its own new pool as well, and is practically adjacent to the traditional
Blue & Green chairs of the Puerto Vallarta gay beach. Daily, 9am-Midnight

Seasons PV - South Side
- 130 Ignacio Vallarta in Rivera Molino plaza. Tel: 178-2148 **
Canadian/American style with a a touch of Mexican, lead by Chef Laurie who
has over 30 years of experience. Casual friendly dining for breakfast, lunch
and dinner. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, burritos and wraps,
and for dinner fish, chicken, seafood and sirloin dishes. Gluten free options.
Seasons PV motto is a quote from the writer Virginia Woolf, "One cannot think
well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." Gay staff, mixed
clientele. Popular with locals. Sun-Thurs, 9am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 9am-10pm

Taste
- Amapas - 129 Callejon de la Igualidad. Phone: 223-2484 ext. 151
**
Taste (photo left) is the gay-owned restaurant at the luxurious Casa Cupula gay guesthouse.
Menu featuring a taste of three different cuisines: Mediterranean, Mexican
and Asian flavors, with all dishes available in half and full portions. In
only months Taste restaurant rose to the top 10 of all Vallarta restaurants
on TripAdvisor. Full bar and with a romantic secluded tropical atmosphere.
Voted best new Puerto Vallarta restaurant in 2011. Under the direction of
Erick Martinez and Chef Jose Luis Ponce. Check their website for updated
details. Sunday with mimosa brunch, 10am-1pm. Daily for breakfast,
9am-Noon; and lunch with fresh salads, sandwiches and light affaires; Dinner,
Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm

The River Cafe - River Cuale Island, local #4,
West Bridge. Tel: 223-0788
International cuisine such as diver scallops, rainbow shrimp, rack of lamb,
soups and salads. Seating on the terraces along the banks of the Cuale River
with a pleasant natural setting. "Casual but elegant dining". The River Cafe
has live music with Cheko Ruiz, Mon and Tues from 7:30-10:30pm
and with Invitro, Weds and Thurs, also from 7:30-10:30pm. Head chefs Benjamin
Sanchez and Karla Morales. Reservations recommended. Margaritas 2x1, 12pm-6pm.
See rivercafe.com.mx Daily, 8am-11:30pm

The
Swedes Bistro & Bar - South Side - 154 Pulpito at Olas Altas street.
Tel: 223-2353 **
The Swedes gay bar and bistro (photo left) serving food from Weds-Mon, 6pm-11pm.
Bistro menu includes Swedish meatballs, pasta tagliatelle, filet mignon, traditional
Swedish hash and other North America & European cuisine. The Crow's Nest
Bar is on the 2nd floor of the bistro, with nice views and serving drinks
until late. Gay bar and bistro with Rikard and Morgan. Good reports-reviews
on The Swedes Bistro & Bar with an eclectic food selection
that is well-presented and prepared. Weds-Mon, 6pm-2am

Tony's Please - Emiliano Zapata - 440 Lazaro Cardenas
near Jacarandas.
Tony has had a restaurant at various spots on the South Side since the 1970s
and has faithful local and tourist customers, a testament to the good cooking
and decent prices. Mexican, steaks, seafood. Mentioned by friends and always
rated very good to excellent. Mon-Sat, 5:30pm-11pm

Tre Piatti - Emiliano
Zapata - 292 Lazaro Cardenas. Tel: 222-2773
Delightful new Italian restaurant on the corner of Cardenas and Constitucion
streets in Old Town, just down the street from gay nightclub CC Slaughters,
so it's not hard to find. Specialities include house-made pasta and regional
Italian cuisine. Tre Piatti, currently one of the most
popular upscale dining spots in town, is owned by Israeli chef Chanan Kamen
and his wife Natalie, a pastry chef from Guadalajara, who acts as hostess
and also makes the house desserts. Full bar, decent wine selection, attractive
staff. Many excellent reviews. Weds-Mon, 5:30pm-11pm

Trio - Centro/Downtown - 264 Guerrero.
Tel: 222-2196
"Casually elegant", featuring international gourmet food that combines Mediterranean
cuisine with the traditional flavors of Mexico. Stylish decor with art work
by local artists and a patio in the back open during the winter season. Many
reports indicate that Trio restaurant prepares one of the better meals in
Puerto Vallarta though some have demurred and clearly prefer the sister-restaurant
Vitea hands down. Upscale. Further information triopv.com Dinner,
6pm-11:30pm.

Verona Bistro
Bar - Old Town - 499 Olas Altas at Rodolfo Gomez street. Cell: 044-322-113-0019
**
New gay-owned pizza place and tapas bar. Reasonably priced and delicious
food, with sidewalk seating, friendly gay staff and mixed clientele. Verona has become rather popular in a short period of
time with its pizzas, paninis, salads, carpaccio, montaditos, beer, wine
and craft drinks. Happy hour, 4pm-7pm. Daily, 12pm-1am

Vista Grill on the Beach - South Side/Los Muertos
beach - 102 Pulpito. Tel: 222-3570
Romantic mood, excellent cuisine and nice views of the beach and Banderas
Bay make Vista Grill restaurant a Puerto Vallarta fine dining experience.
Main courses include grilled salmon, braised short rib, duck confit and five-spice
shrimp. Combining a modern jazz club feel with an innovative Mexican cuisine
and lovely views, Vista Grillquickly became a standard of quality
earning such reputable awards as the AAA Four Diamonds Award, the only non-hotel
restaurant in town to achieve this distinction. Expensive. Daily, 5:30pm-11:30pm

Vitea - Downtown/el
Centro - 2 Libertad on the New Malecon. Tel: 222-8703
Ocean-front bistro located along the stretch of the New Malecon extension
between Los Arcos Amphitheater and the pedestrian bridge over the Cuale River.
Vitea has a pleasing casual sidewalk atmosphere, modern eclectic decor and
an excellent selection of wines. Menu includes quiche, salads, sandwiches,
filet mignon and seafood. Voted best moderate priced Puerto Vallarta restaurant
in 2010. Operated by the owners/chefs of Trio restaurant Bernhard Güth
and Ulf Henriksson. Popular. See their website viteapv.com Daily,
8am-Midnight

Briefly, here are a few other popular/well
known Puerto Vallarta restaurants that may well be worth checking out:

100% Natural - North Side/Hotel
Zone - 1630 Ave. Francisco Medina Ascencio. Tel: 223-2974Veg-friendly restaurant with a buffet
that features hot foods, salad bar, some raw food and soup; with fresh juices.
Two levels with views of the avenue decorated in bright colors and with artwork.
Across from the Sheraton Hotel and with home delivery. Mon-Sat, 8am-10pm

Andale - South Side/Zona Romantica
- 425 Olas Altas. Tel: 222-1054Andale's bar is on the first floor,
which can be quite crowded and loud during the winter months with music and
dancing. The sidewalk restaurant has seating as well up on the 2nd and 3rd
floors overlooking Olas Altas street, 8am-11pm. Daily, 8am until 2-3am

Cafe Roma - Downtown/Central -
287 Encino at Matamoros, upstairs. Tel: 222-7378Italian restaurant/pizzeria and bar
near the municipal flea market and across from the Cuale River so some nice
views. Noted for its home-style environment and friendly service since 2006.
Karaoke on Mon, Weds and Fri, 6pm-9pm. Rated as #47 out of some 683 restaurants
in town at TripAdvisor. Website at romamexico.com Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm

Chez Elena - Central - 520 Matamoros
at Galeana. Tel: 222-0161Romantic garden restaurant known for
its diversity of Mexican dishes and international specialties (photo left).
The rooftop terrace bar El Nido has panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and
Banderas Bay. The Chez Elena menu includes grilled catch
of the day, chicken mole, several vegetarian choices and a savory Mayan pork
dish. Opened in 1955 by the original "Elena" and operated since 1980 by Gloria
Whiting. Caters to small and large groups and private dinner parties.
Dinner, 6pm-11pm

Cuates y Cuetes - South Side -
101 Francisca Rodríguez at pier Los Muertos. Tel: 223-2724A restaurant-bar on Los Muertos beach
that often has good live jazz-salsa-light rock-reggae music in the evenings
from around happy hour sunset time until approximately 11pm. Specialty of
seafood; food is reportedly so-so. Cuates and Cuetes
is popular for happy hour 6pm-8pm. Daily, 8am-11:30pm

El Brujo - South Side - 510 Venustiano
Carranza at Naranjo. Tel: 223-2036Mexican, seafood and beef dishes. El
Brujo has become popular for its reasonable prices and ample servings of good
food. Ranked #80 of 776 restaurants in PV on TripAdvisor. Location also in
Bucerias, Nayarit on the Avenida Pacifico with Tel: 329-298-0406. Tues-Sun,
1pm-10:30pm

El Coleguita - Marina Vallarta
- Popa s/n Local 27 at Condominio Marina del Rey. Tel: 044-333-111-5040,
044-322-108-9726Popular seafood restaurant in Marina
Vallarta for over 6 years, and over 19 years in its Ixtapa location on the
La Palmas highway. Generous portions of fish and shellfish selections.
Weds-Mon, 11am-8pm

El Colera - South Side - 542 Lazaro
Cardenas. Tel: 223-0769Popular with the Mexican locals for
all kinds of fish and seafood coctels, tostadas and empanadas. Daily,
11am-7pm

La Chata - Centro/Downtown - 710
Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs. Tel: 222-5530, 222-5529Mexican restaurant on the malecon serving
seafood, chicken and beef dishes. One of the more moderately priced Puerto
Vallarta downtown restaurants. Second level up, so good views of the boardwalk
and Banderas Bay from the balcony seating. Live music with Mariachi group
Nuevo Imperial every night, 9pm-10:30pm. Family owned business with locations
in Guadalajara since 1942. Daily, 8am-Midnight

Mariscos Tino's - Downtown - 920
Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs. Tel: 223-2803, 223-2808Seafood and fish restaurant bar with
a great location just past the north end the Malecon across from Hidalgo
Park; with seating inside and along the 2nd floor balcony. Mariscos Tino's
menu includes marlin and crab tacos, seafood cocktails, many varieties of
shrimp dishes, lobster and filet mignon. Locations also in Nuevo Vallarta
and Punta de Mita, Nayarit. Locally since 1990. Daily, 10:30am-Midnight.

Marisma Fish Taco - South Side
- 320 Naranjo at V. Carranza.Reportedly the best fish tacos in Puerto
Vallarta, with hand made tortillas. Marisma
has locations also in the Marina at Popa and Quilla just behind Plaza Neptune
at the Condos Marina del Rey, and also in Fluvial Vallarta at Carlos Barrios
and Lake Michigan street. Menu includes tacos, guisados, shrimp, smoked
marlin or fish burritos, quesadillas and hamburgers. Since 1990. Tues-Sun,
10am-5pm.

Oscar's - Cuale River Island -
Local #1, West Bridge. Tel: 223-0789Located at the west end of the Cuale
River island, Oscar's restaurant offers dining under a large thatched palapa
with views of the Cuale river as it enters Banderas Bay. Menu includes lobster
bisque and traditional Mexican, American and international dishes.
Daily, 10am-11pm.

Paradise Burger - Downtown - 740
Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs. Tel: 223-2328All American fare with some Mexican
specialties to spice things up, and a good location ocean-front in the middle
of the downtown Malecon boardwalk. They sometimes have live rock and roll
music in the evening; call for details. Daily, 10:30am-Midnight

The Blue Shrimp - Los Muertos
Beach - 366 Olas Altas. Tel: 222-4246, 223-1840Now located on Los Muertos beach next
door to Daiquiri Dick's under the giant palapa. Shrimp prepared a dozen different
ways, lobster, fish filet and rib-eye cuts. A good meal, great views and popular.
Often with live music by Graham Cook. Daily, 9am-12am

Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviews and ratingsThe Puerto Vallarta
Restaurants & Dining Guide has a fairly comprehensive lists of restaurants,
cafes and bars in the city, ranging from budget selections and hamburger stands
to exquisitely delicious gourmet French food and popular Mediterranean and
Asian cuisine. Much more can be found online here at TripAdvisor where there currently 610
restaurants and over 27,000 reviews by travelers; or at Virtual Vallarta with paid listings, another
one of the best sources, by location, type and price; or at the All Vallarta Message Board. Gay guys might
also be interested in Gary Beck's Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide as his
book has updated reviews of over 375 eateries, and covers just about everything
from taco stands to upscale dining throughout Banderas Bay. And of course
there's JR's usual reliable round up and ratings of anything local, go here
for his Restaurant list by type of food, and for something authentically
unique and useful for those on a modest budget or who like to eat out and
around at the various tacos stands, there's his Street Food - Taco Stands webpage. Gary Beck, JR and
their friends certainly do get around.

Natural Foods Store

Don Fresco at Los Mercados - South
Side - 265 Aquiles Serdan. Tel: 222-0383Los Mercados is a newly remodeled market
located in Zona Romantica which offers a variety of shops including Don Fresco
which offers fresh produce including locally grown heirloom tomatoes, sweet
white corn, a selection of lettuces and every sort of fruit and vegetable.
Located 1/2 block from the Gutierrez Rizo supermarket.

Special Notes

Virtual Vallarta Readers' Choice
Awards 2012 for the best in local dining are here. Once again
the winners are selected by visitors and residents alike who filled out the
on-line voting form between Feb 1 and June 15. Some 11,000+ votes were submitted
in 44 categories. Everyone has their favorites but this list will perhaps
help you to decide where to find something special for eating out. I consider
it somewhat difficult to find a bad meal in all of Puerto Vallarta, though
going out has gotten a bit pricey in many of the restaurants that cater to
tourists.

Travel note: The information on this
and other pages of the Puerto Vallarta Gay Travel Guide
were deemed accurate when posted, but things can change without notice. You
may wish to confirm dining details directly with the restaurants in question
before planning your day or night out.